Gaard Swanson Leaving KIRO to Become WKMG’s Marquee Anchor

Gaard Swanson, sports director for Seattle’s KIRO, is set to become a marquee anchor for Orlando’s WKMG.

The CBS-affiliate announced this week that Swanson, who has been with KIRO since 2002, would become the station’s primary male anchor.

He will join Lauren Rowe at the anchor desk for WKMG’s 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts.

In addition to his job at KIRO, Swanson has worked as a host for HGTV, appearing on the network’s popular series “Generation Renovation.” He has also hosted KIRO’s daytime lifestyle show “Better Northwest.”

“He’s very comfortable on camera,” said Skip Valet, WKMG’s general manager. “You’ll see that almost immediately. He’s very versatile.”

With the addition of Swanson, WKMG will shuffle its on-air lineup. According to the Orlando Sentinel, Erik von Ancken, who had been c0-anchoring the 6 and 11 p.m. news, will move to weekends.

Swanson’s first day on-air will be February 3. Video of Swanson in action after the jump…